'94 850 Manual Transmission Oil Change.

oscarsol123 · Post by **oscarsol123** » 19 Dec 2013, 13:34

Hi guys,
I just want to confirm the oil that i need to use, VOLVO 850, 1994 (non turbo), Manual Transmission.
Some shops here recommend: Syntetic 70W 90 (highly recommend for bronze parts)
the book says: Syntetic 5W 30 , but the guy from the shop said: if you use that grade of oil you will damage the transmission.
Please advice
Thank you
Regards
Oscar

Post by **JDS60R** » 19 Dec 2013, 14:05

If you have bronze parts you will need it to meet GL-4.
If it says GL-5 and not GL-4 or it does not mention it is safe for brass parts you should skip it.

Most older manuals need a 75W-90 GL-4.
I suggest use of a synthetic and if the bottom plug does not have a magnet then add a good one as the manuals have no filter and have tons of minute metal shavings floating around. The magnet will collect this slag. Make sure you magnet will stay where you put it. I bore a 3/8 hole in most plugs and JB weld in a neodymium magnet. 3/8 diameter by 3/8 length cylinder. I buy mine from KJmagnetics
http://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=d66sh but in the manual transmission any magnet will do. Your local parts store may even have a magnetic plug in stock.

Please see the Volvo fluid chart

Post by **JDS60R** » 19 Dec 2013, 14:10

As you can see on the page labeled 45 on the bottom. (page 48 of the pdf)

1161 745 is a 75w-80 fully synthetic GL-4
a synthetic 75W-90 GL4 will work fine (Just make sure it says GL-4)

oscarsol123 · Post by **oscarsol123** » 19 Dec 2013, 14:28

Thank you for your time and support! and quick answer.
Regards

Also, i found some old information (chat) regarding the same matter.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=42769

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 19 Dec 2013, 22:49

I used some Royal Purple synthetic that claimed it was GL-4 / GL-5 and the shifting is a bit "notchy" until the car warms up. My understanding is that the GL-5 is too slick for the synchronizers to work correctly. You can never go wrong with the real deal Volvo stuff.

Credit to Jimmy for the great idea on changing the fluid - remove the fill plug first. That way you can be sure that you can get the fill plug loose before you drain the transmission.

...Lee

'94 850 **Manual Transmission** Oil Change.